Botticelli was born in Florence, a vibrant hub of artistic and intellectual activity during the Renaissance. He was initially apprenticed to a goldsmith, but by his early twenties, he had turned to painting, becoming a student of Fra Filippo Lippi, one of the leading Florentine painters of the time. Lippi’s influence on Botticelli was profound, instilling in him a delicate approach to line and a lyrical quality that would define his later works.

The Medici Patronage

Florence during Botticelli’s lifetime was under the influence of the powerful Medici family, great patrons of the arts. Botticelli found favor with the Medici, particularly Lorenzo the Magnificent, who became a crucial supporter. This patronage provided Botticelli with significant commissions and placed him at the center of the intellectual and artistic life of Florence.

Iconic Works

Botticelli's most famous paintings, “The Birth of Venus” (c. 1484-1486) and “Primavera” (c. 1482), were both commissioned by members of the Medici family and reflect the sophisticated culture of their court. “The Birth of Venus” depicts the goddess Venus emerging from the sea on a shell, greeted by the winds Zephyr and Aura, and attended by the Hora of Spring. The painting’s use of flowing lines, delicate color palette, and ethereal beauty encapsulates the Renaissance's revival of classical mythology.